It might appear to be the one option to get your fingers on some nice sound is to spend massive on what you may time period “correct” hi-fi. You understand the kind of factor: advanced setups, esteemed manufacturers and a number of models coming collectively to type one mega (and mega-expensive) system.
That needn’t be the case. To have fun the arrival of Black Friday, we have rounded up a few of the greatest merchandise that may provide a real hi-fi expertise with out complexity or huge costs. These merchandise are all a single unit apiece (okay, the KEFs are a pair), however the sound they provide is really exceptional nonetheless.
As its What Hello-Fi? 2023 Award certifies the Sonos Period 300 is without doubt one of the greatest wi-fi audio system we have not too long ago examined, revealing itself to be an all-in-one performer that boasts excellent audio, wonderful streaming options and spectacular spatial audio capabilities.
As we acknowledged in our Sonos Period 300 assessment, “[it] performs admirably with any format of music… it doesn’t matter what supply or style [which] all provides as much as an attractive expertise that is value embarking on”, particularly with regard to its superior dealing with of spatial audio.
The options solely assist to seal the deal. The Sonos app is nice, Trueplay room calibration works fantastically, and the Period 300 can slot into the broader Sonos multi-room ecosystem simply, whereas Wi-Fi 6, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth 5.0 streaming, plus voice management, solely strengthen its credentials. The reductions aren’t big proper now, however we might suggest the Period 300 even at full worth.
It has been round for a superb whereas, however the B&W Zeppelin continues to impress us, and plenty of others, with its sonic skills and iconic oval type. No different speaker actually comes near the Zeppelin when it comes to the mothership-esque design of probably the most iconic-looking models we are able to consider. See one within the flesh they usually’re actually a sight to behold.
It might have a number of function limitations (restricted hi-res assist and no Chromecast), however the Zep makes up for it with its expansive, open presentation and agile, weighty bass. Giant audio system of this kind can usually have a giant, booming however barely muddled or unsubtle presentation, traps which B&W’s oval brute would not fall into. Succesful at excessive volumes and immensely enjoyable to hearken to, it is definitely value contemplating this Black Friday.
Learn our Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin assessment
Oh, how we love Naim’s Mu-so Qb 2nd Technology wi-fi speaker, a lot in order that we’re nonetheless recommending it 4 years later. It may be yours for simply £699 at Richer Sounds this Black Friday, down from its authentic £799 price ticket.
A perennial winner on the What Hello-Fi Awards, the Mu-so Qb was not too long ago topped Finest House Wi-fi Speaker Over £500 for the fifth yr in a row, boasting the kind of longevity and continued relevance that almost all rivals can solely dream of. With assist for Spotify and TIdal Join, Chromecast, AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth, in addition to the Naim Audio App, the Qb is an effortlessly versatile unit.
Plus, it simply sounds so good. Even towards newer rivals, the Qb delights with an open and expressive but skilled and detailed efficiency that may delight just about any listener throughout any style. And on high of all that, it appears to be like darkish, glossy and actually, actually cool.
The unique KEF LSX had been nice, however these LSX II take issues to the following degree. An authorized What Hello-Fi? Awards winner in 2023, the LSX II step issues up sonically with a profile that feels succesful, layered and dynamic, all whereas maintaining rhythms and tones tight and intensely well-formed, it doesn’t matter what you’re listening to. Bass, particularly, feels taut and managed, whereas the general presentation feels refined, mature and satisfying.
They’re good, although (that is the purpose), supporting a bunch of connectivity choices starting from wi-fi, Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast and Bluetooth, in addition to streaming providers like Amazon Music, Deezer, Qobuz, Spotify and Tidal. Bodily inputs, similar to HDMI ARC and USB-C connections for hooking as much as a TV and laptop computer respectively, actually enhance issues additional.
Excellent audio system at an amazing worth.
Learn our full KEF LSX II assessment
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Take a look at the greatest Black Friday hi-fi offers and greatest Bluetooth speaker offers
Learn our full Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Technology assessment
Wow! Save a whopping £650 on a five-star hi-fi streamer within the Black Friday gross sales
